Mobile intensive care units

A mobile intensive care unit for the reception of devices and instruments, which are arranged in various sections of a frame, is improved so that an ergonomically coordinated arrangement of the devices is possible, allowing for a combined use and control from an operating level for the parameters to be set and controlled, and also allowing for uninhibited access to the various sections. For this purpose the sections, which are inclined away from the vertical plane at several different angles, are superimposed in connected levels; in an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section for the reception and use of the devices. The upper section has a viewing and indicator unit which is approximately vertical, the section below it comprises control and indicator elements for a setting and control unit and the lower section, which is approximately horizontal, comprises an inclined reception holder for liquid dosing units and it comprises at least one approximately horizontal depositing surface for the desk holder.


What is already known on this topic
Zinc deficiency is common in infants in developing countries Zinc supplementation has been shown to reduce morbidity from infectious disease in such populations, particularly through reductions in morbidity from diarrhoea and respiratory infections Limited evidence exists for zinc supplementation being effective in reducing morbidity from malaria

What this study adds
Zinc supplementation has no effect on falciparum malaria in children in rural west Africa It is effective in reducing morbidity from diarrhoea and may help to reduce mortality from all causes

A paper that saved my life Mobile intensive care units
Sometime in 1967, I came across a report in the BMJ on a paper by Pantridge and Geddes in the Lancet. 1 A purpose designed and equipped ambulance that carried a team led by a doctor had been introduced in Belfast for the prompt assessment of suspected myocardial ischaemia. Some months earlier, a patient of mine had died soon after I had visited him at home. I had suspected myocardial ischaemia and, as was the practice at that time, had given him morphine, recommended bed rest, and arranged for a consultant physician to visit as soon as possible that day. Patients with chest pain were admitted to hospital only if they had a confirmed diagnosis of an infarct, and that required the advice of a specialist. At the next meeting of our local medical association, I floated the idea of persuading the authorities to set up a coronary ambulance service. It could respond rapidly to a general practitioner's suspicion of myocardial ischaemia, assess the patient, take him to hospital if necessary, and defibrillate if that were needed. (It was almost always a him in those days.) Firstly, we had to persuade the local public hospitals that it was a good idea. Two of the three agreed to participate if we could convince the Department of Health and the Ambulance Service; and that wasn't easy. Eventually we achieved a pilot scheme for our local area. The nearest available ambulance would respond to a general practitioner's call by stopping at whichever of the two hospitals was closest, collecting a medical registrar, a nurse, and their equipment, and taking them to the patient's home. 2 From those humble beginnings evolved the now hugely successful intensive care ambulance service. It has specially designed ambulances, covers all of Sydney (population 4 million), and responds promptly with highly trained ambulance paramedics to all medical emergencies.
Twenty years later, when I developed unstable angina, I was collected from my surgery by one of these teams. I was treated with the utmost expertise and efficiency by the paramedics, who delivered me safely to one of the two originally cooperative hospitals, where I had emergency bypass surgery. Thanks to them and the hospital staff, and indirectly to that report in the BMJ, I am here more than a decade later to tell the story.
Peter Arnold former general practitioner, Sydney, Australia We welcome articles of up to 600 words on topics such as A memorable patient, A paper that changed my practice, My most unfortunate mistake, or any other piece conveying instruction, pathos, or humour. If possible the article should be supplied on a disk. Permission is needed from the patient or a relative if an identifiable patient is referred to.